Liverpool to land Chelsea striker Sturridge

Rodgers is confident of beating off competition from Tottenham

Daniel Sturridge (right) of Chelsea attempts a shot on goal against Wigan Athleticduring their English Premier League match at Stamford Bridge in this April 7, 2012 file photo. (REUTERS)

Liverpool are poised to beat Tottenham to land unsettled Chelsea striker Daniel Sturridge, according to reports.

Sturridge is currently being treated for viral meningitis, which is expected to keep him out of the Olympics, but is considering his future after falling out of favour at Stamford Bridge last season.

Reds manager Brendan Rodgers has made the 22-year-old one of his top targets and is confident of beating off competition from Tottenham.

Liverpool and Spurs have both made their interest in Sturridge known through third parties.

The England international, whose situation is also being monitored by Arsenal and Manchester City, will hold talks with Chelsea manager Roberto Di Matteo about his future after finding himself relegated to the substitutes bench towards the end of last season, according to Goal.com.

Sturridge is understood to blame a lack of opportunities for his failure to claim a place in England’s Euro 2012 squad and fears for his chances next season after Chelsea signed £32m Eden Hazard from Lille.

New Spurs head coach Andre Villas-Boas is also a fan of Sturridge after they worked together briefly at Chelsea last season - but the City academy product grew frustrated with the wide role he was assigned under the Portuguese.

Sturridge scored 11 Premier League goals last season playing mainly from a position on the right wing but would prefer to play as a central striker.